Brampton: Last week, the Government of Canada announced the final amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations. The most significant reforms to the regulations since their introduction in 1987. Millions of Canadians rely on prescription drugs to stay healthy, manage chronic conditions and cure disease—yet they pay some of the highest prices in the world.
These amendments will change the “basket” of countries we compare ourselves to when setting drug prices, so that prices here are judged against countries that actually look like Canada in terms of population, economy and approach to health care. These changes will also provide the PMPRB with the actual market price of medicines in Canada—rather than inflated list or “sticker” price—to more accurately assess whether a price is reasonable when setting a price ceiling. Finally, they will let the PMPRB consider whether the price of a drug actually reflects the value it has for patients.
This suite of measures, which the Government is implementing to lay the groundwork for National Pharmacare, is the foundation of a system that enables all Canadians to get and afford the medicines they need.
Quotes
“I want to thank the Minister of Health for this historic step in terms of pharmaceutical reform in Canada. Bramptonians, year after year have voiced their concerns about the rising cost of pharmaceuticals and I am proud to be part of a government that listened to them and has brought about changes that will save Canadians billions of dollars over the next decade.” – Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament, Brampton West.” – Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament, Brampton West
“Today, we take the biggest step to lower drug prices in a generation. Building on the progress we’ve already made towards lower drug prices, these bold reforms will both make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for all Canadians—saving them an estimated $13 billion dollars in the next decade—and lay the foundation for National Pharmacare.” – The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health
About Ms. Kamal Khera – Ms. Kamal Khera is the Member of Parliament for Brampton West and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development. She is a registered nurse, community volunteer and a political activist. Ms. Khera serves on the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee as a non-voting member.